Recognizing National Recovery Month: Support, Awareness, and Hope

Originally posted in 2022 by Mind Meld Psychotherapy (MMP) | Updated and reposted by OSO Wellness

Each September, we pause to honor a powerful journey—recovery. Since 1989, National Recovery Month, led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has served as a time to uplift the voices of individuals in recovery, promote evidence-based treatment options, and foster understanding of substance use and mental health disorders.

Recovery Month celebrates those who have recovered, those still recovering, and those just beginning to explore their path forward. It’s also a time to educate our communities about the realities of substance use, the impact of stigma, and the proven treatments that save lives.

Why Recovery Awareness Matters

As the crisis of substance misuse and overdose continues to affect families and communities, this month reminds us of the urgency of compassion, awareness, and access to care. When we learn about recovery, we become better friends, better family members, and better advocates.

Recovery is not one-size-fits-all—it’s ongoing, deeply personal, and often nonlinear. New evidence-based treatments and community resources offer hope, healing, and dignity. Whether it’s medication-assisted treatment, harm reduction, trauma-informed therapy, or peer support, each person’s path is valid.

How You Can Participate

• Attend a local or virtual Recovery Month event

• Educate yourself about harm reduction, overdose prevention, and stigma-free support

• Support a loved one in recovery through active listening and nonjudgmental presence

• Advocate for access to equitable, high-quality care in your community

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

Recovery is possible—and help is available. Reach out through one of the following resources:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• TTY: 1-800-487-4889

• Text your ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U)

• Use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: FindTreatment.gov

📌 Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health treatment. Please contact a licensed provider for individualized care.